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Reader's Paradise

Winter's Tale

19 years ago

I have just finished Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin. Has there ever been an RP discussion on this book? It is so different from my usual reads that I'm at a loss to comment on it. I'm not much on fantasy or sci fi; but, obviously, this is much more than that. Some lines were very funny, the descriptions are wonderful, and he certainly has a command of language.

I looked at comments on Google a little and read one that discussed Peter Lake as a Christ figure. That hadn't occurred to me at all. I'd be interested in your comments.

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Comments (4)

sherwood38
19 years ago
Carolyn I tried reading it years ago and gave up-is that the one about the white horse...or am I thinking of something else...?

Pat
sheriz6
19 years ago
I read this back in the '80s and I *think* I liked it ... but I remember nothing about it other than the white horse and snow.
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cindydavid4
19 years ago
carolyn I wish I can help you. I love fantasy, and that book sounded like I'd love it. I tried twice. Not sure what it was - the language actually I suspect, but I'd love to hear your comments. Maybe they will jump start a third try!
carolyn_ky
Original Author
19 years ago
Yes, it was the book about the white horse. In fact, the whole first chapter is about the white horse. When he began to leap city blocks at a single bound, I could only think, "It's Super Horse!" And, again, yes, it's about snow, frozen lakes, reappearances of people from 1900 to 2000, New York City as it never was but evidently beloved by the author. Some reviewers on Google sites called it magic realism, and one said it was not that.

Cindy, I can't make any comments of my own except to say it is a peculiar book with both lovely language and lots of made-up words. It's >700 pages that kept me wondering where he was going with the story, and I'm still not sure.

Martin, where are you?

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